Training Strategy
Mobile Member Care Team – West Africa

Introduction:MMCT-WA desires to train and equip peer response teams and mission leadership for the care of members in crisis. We currently offer four core training programs, as outlined below. We also offer shorter seminars on topics such as Transitions, Grief, Team Building, and Prevention of Burnout.

1. Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills (SYIS): Developed by Dr. Ken Williams of Wycliffe Bible Translators/SIL, this workshop is used worldwide by missions desiring to equip and encourage their members in biblical relational skills such as listening, managing conflicts and living in community. In a supportive training environment, with an emphasis on Scripture and prayer throughout, participants are guided through four and a half days of skills-building practice in a group of about 25 missionaries from several different agencies. We desire to offer this workshop as a means of strengthening the missions community life, believing that this will result in better mutual member care throughout the community.

2. Member Care while Managing Crises (MC/MC): This five-day workshop gathers together interested leaders of missions in a particular region to share and learn about the strategic role they play in member care while managing crisis situations. Topics include: normal response to a crisis; stages of grief after loss or trauma; theology of suffering and risk; helpful policies, procedures and protocols; confidentiality and communication; assessment of vulnerable members; leadership style in crisis; the when, why and how's of debriefings and how MMCT and local Peer Response Teams can be of service to missions in West Africa. (We can also offer parts of the MC/MC as a half or one-day Inter-Mission Forum on Contingency Preparation and Crisis Response.)

3. Peer Response Training (PRT): A six-day workshop, the PRT Level 1 prepares missionaries to serve as peer responders within their own mission. Participants review and go into more depth with the UC material. In addition, they learn how to "defuse" someone in crisis one-on-one and how to assess someone who has been through a traumatic event. The workshop includes opportunities to practice these skills. Participants are also encouraged to further develop their own theology of suffering through Bible studies and times of reflection. People are invited to this workshop based on completion of an application after the SYIS, evaluations by SYIS facilitators and referrals from mission leadership and peers.

4. Member Care Providers Consultation/Retreat (MCPC): A six day retreat and consultation for member care providers. Includes one on one consultations, interest groups, networking, and mini seminars.   

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